Boonsboro establishes Environmental Commission

The group could help town residents understand the best trees to plant, teach residents how to construct rain gardens and how to grow their own food, and study stormwater issues

September 07, 2012|By DAVE McMILLION | davem@herald-mail.com

BOONSBORO — Issues such as local measures to help protect the Chesapeake Bay, what kind of trees to plant in an urban setting or educational programs such as how to develop a rain garden might get closer consideration now that the Town of Boonsboro has established an Environmental Commission.

Boonsboro Town Council members Tuesday night agreed to create the commission, which has been talked about for about three years, council member Sean Haardt said.

Environmental issues have gotten close consideration over the years in Boonsboro, where a recycling task force helped pave the way for curbside recycling in town.

The town next year will celebrate its fifth Green Fest, a growing environmental event that offers everything from speakers to a recycling collection zone.

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“I think Boonsboro has become one of the more progressive towns in the county,” Haardt said.

Council member Barbara Wetzel said she envisions the Environmental Commission dealing with “anything that might come up” regarding the environment.

That could range from programs to help town residents understand the best trees to plant in an urban environment, how to construct rain gardens, how to grow their own food and studying stormwater issues in town, Wetzel said.

Wetzel said she thinks it is important to have such a commission since environmental issues are becoming more complicated.

“I think it’s very exciting to see what we can come up with,” Wetzel said.

The environmental commission will be an advisory commission to council members and Mayor Charles F. “Skip” Kauffman Jr., according to Wetzel and Haardt. Any programs or goals established by the commission will have to be approved by the council, Haardt said.

The town is seeking seven to nine people to serve two- and four-year terms on the commission, according to Wetzel.

Wetzel said Thursday there is no timetable for members of the commission to be selected.

Anyone wanting to serve on the Environmental Commission can go to www.town.boonsboro.md.us and fill out a volunteer form, Wetzel said.

Haardt said the idea for the commission can be traced to the Boonsboro Recycling Task Force. Haardt said he envisions the commission dealing with a variety of environmental topics, including sustainability and conservation issues.

“I have to really thank the mayor and the council (for) welcoming it with open arms,” Haardt said.